January 20, 2012 in Auto Insurance, Insurance, Insurance Articles by jferris

Florida Considering Laws Against Distracted Driving

As the 2012 legislative session gets under way in state capitols across the country, many states are looking to pass more restrictions on distracted drivers with an emphasis on texting.

Florida has six bills up for consideration this session that target distracted drivers. There are currently no Florida laws that restrict using smartphones or talking on a mobile device while driving. Some Florida lawmakers would like to change that.

Senate Bill 416 would make it illegal to text, check email or have instant message conversations while driving, but would make it ok while sitting at a stop light. A first offense would be a non-moving violation and would result in a $30 fine. Subsequent infractions within five years would result in a moving violation, a fine of $60 and three points deducted from the driver’s license, according to handsfreeinfo.com.

Another bill being considered in the Florida Senate deals with driver’s education. Senate Bill 122 would require driving schools to include curriculum on the risks of driving while distracted.

Senate Bill 930 also would require distracted driver information in driver’s education classes. SB930 goes one step further and bans all use of portable electronic devices by drivers 18 years old and younger, and violations are punishable by a driver’s license suspension.

The Florida House of Representatives has a few distracted driving laws being considered in this session too. House Bill 299 is similar to SB 416 above, but would add a strong penalty if a driver causes an accident while using a handheld electronic device.

School bus drivers get called out specifically in House Bill 187. They would not be allowed to text or call while driving a bus. This bill also would ban drivers 18 and younger from using portable electronic devices while on the road.

Finally, House Bill 39 would create a designated official to whom a person charged with using a handheld device during a traffic offense would have to appear. That official would dole out a fine depending on the severity of the infraction.

Unfortunately, according to Hands Free Info the chances are slim that any of these bills would become law. Many lawmakers are against such legislation and Gov. Rick Scott vetoed a distracted driving bill last year that would have required driving schools to teach about the dangers of operating a vehicle while using electronic devices.

Resistance to Florida bills that would make distracted driving illegal come in many forms, but some lawmakers say it represents a government overreach to tell drivers what they can do in their cars. Across the country, 35 states have passed laws regulating distracted driving.

Vincent Payne is with Florida auto insurance company and Florida car insurance company, AGIC. To get a quote or learn more visit www.agicinsurance.com.

January 18, 2012 in Auto Insurance, Insurance, Insurance Articles by jferris

Florida Considers Reforms to Personal Injury Protection Law

Florida lawmakers will consider reforms in 2012 to state insurance regulations that could cut back on fraudulent claims that make the Sunshine State one of the most expensive places in the country to insure an automobile.

It is widely speculated that fraud rings exist in Florida that stage accidents to take advantage of the state’s no-fault insurance system that requires drivers to carry $10,000 in personal injury protection.

Florida is No. 1 in the country in questionable claims linked to staged accidents, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation reports that auto insurance fraud costs small businesses and consumers about $1 billion annually. Insurance fraud and the resultant high rates can be especially tough on small businesses that have fleet vehicles and multiple drivers.

The Florida Chamber of Commerce has taken up the issue as an important part of the group’s lobbying efforts for 2012. The Tallahassee Democrat reports that the Chamber has a history of pushing for and getting needed insurance reforms. About 10 years ago, the Chamber’s advocacy efforts helped secure legislative changes to the workers’ compensation insurance rules.

The challenge for the governor and the legislature is to cut down on the fraud without a complete overhaul of the system. Florida’s no-fault auto insurance system was started in 1972, according to Florida Today. It came to be as a way to combat frivolous lawsuits and help people pay their medical bills more quickly after an accident.

Someone legitimately injured in an automobile accident would go through the $10,000 in personal injury protection quickly with only a ride in the ambulance and a trip to the emergency room. Reform advocates claim that lightly injured wreck victims are used by fraud agents to take the $10,000 from the insurance company and sometimes the wreck victims even get a cut of the cash.

State Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater has been blunt about what he sees going on in Florida. “Honest consumers are footing the bill for fake procedures at fake clinics,” he said in Florida Today.

The business reform advocates want to see a few significant changes to the law. They hope to give insurance companies more time than the current 30 days to investigate claims they suspect might be fraud. They want to cap lawyer’s fees and they want insurance companies to be able to inspect the medical clinics some think are committing the fraud.

Milla Tawnie writes for Orlando auto insurance and Orlando home insurance agency, the Florida Insurance Group. To learn more or to get auto and home insurance quotes, visit FloridaInsurance.com.

January 6, 2012 in Auto Insurance, Insurance, Insurance Articles by jferris

Florida Trying to Cut Back on Insurance Fraud

Florida lawmakers will take on personal injury protection insurance fraud this year and Gov. Rick Scott thinks they can fix a system where fraud causes $1 billion in increased premiums every year, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Florida law requires a driver to carry a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection. It has been widely reported that Florida leads the nation in fraudulent insurance claims in part because of Florida’s no-fault law.

A new group called Gear Up Florida hopes to help push lawmakers to crack down on insurance fraud. That group believes higher insurance costs put an undue burden on businesses that rely on fleet vehicles.

“Florida’s most honest consumers are paying the price resulting from staged accidents, out-of-control litigation and unscrupulous personal injury protection (PIP) clinics that foist often unnecessary services on PIP claimants,” said Donovan Brown, counsel and regional manager of State Government Relations Property Casualty Insurers Association of America. “We must protect consumers and eliminate the rampant PIP fraud that is driving up the cost of insurance premiums in our state, and we believe sound policy containing these elements can do just that.”

Gear Up Florida is pushing for four reforms:
1. Extend the 30-day window in which insurance companies can investigate a claim they think are suspicious
2. Cap attorney’s fees to discourage frivolous lawsuits
3. Require tighter accountability out of the medical community that sees personal injury protection cases
4. Regulate alternative medical practitioners like chiropractors, massage therapists and acupuncturists

The group outlines how PIP fraud is an organized crime in Florida. The Florida Sheriff’s Association’s undercover investigators have found that people who stage accidents often are part of large networks.

Florida’s insurance premiums are more than 50 percent higher than other no-fault states, according to a Naples News article on Gear Up Florida.

Lawmakers are looking at a variety of proposals that could cut down on fraud, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Some lawmakers are pushing for more fraud investigators to crack down on staged accidents. Other lawmakers have said the PIP system is unfixable and needs to be completely abolished.

Florida’s CFO Jeff Atwater also is pushing for the PIP overhaul to be a priority in the 2012 legislative session. Atwater commissioned a group to study the issue in the summer of 2011 to provide insight and recommendations. The group found that the number of drivers in the state has remained the same and the number of car wrecks has actually gone down, but insurance costs have ballooned.

Vincent Payne is with Florida auto insurance company and Florida car insurance company, AGIC. To get a quote or learn more visit www.agicinsurance.com.

December 19, 2011 in Auto Insurance, Insurance, Insurance Articles by jferris

Work With a Qualified Car Insurance Agent Before Dropping Coverage

Florida is a high-risk state because of so many drivers going without automobile insurance. Roughly 25 percent of people do not have an auto insurance policy, which puts everyone driving on the road in peril. If a person were in an accident without insurance, he or she risks big property damage costs and medical bills that they will have to pay for out of pocket. Could you come up with the monies needed in this situation? Most people could not, and could face having their savings wiped out or bankruptcy.

Beyond the financial stressors of not having auto insurance when you need it are the penalties you could face. You can have civil and criminal penalties for not having insurance. From steep fines to jail time, losing your license and your automobile, the consequences can be severe. If you cannot afford to pay for car insurance, perhaps it is time to carpool or take public transportation until you can save enough money to get back on the road safely again.

There are ways to save money on your auto insurance premiums, so explore every route with your Florida auto insurance company rather than skipping out on insurance altogether. In Florida, it is the law that automobile owners have a minimum of $10,000 personal injury protection and $10,000 property damage liability insurance. You must prove that you have PIP and PDL insurance for every vehicle you have registered in the state, or it could cost you hefty reinstatement fees if you do not prove this before your license is suspended.

It is recommended to have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your policy because of Florida’s high-risk drivers. If you were to get in a wreck with an insured motorist, this is one of the only ways to ensure that there will be monies to take care of your car damage and lost time away from work and medical bills if you sustained serious injuries from the accident.

Have an experienced Florida auto insurance agent look at ways for you to save. Let them know your monthly payment goal and they can give you a few options through the best providers. Being a safe driver, good student, and having a vehicle with safety features oftentimes helps cut down the monthly premium. You can also look at raising your deductibles to see how it helps lower the cost. Drivers should pick a deductible that they could afford to pay in the event of an accident. And, if you drive only a short distance for work, this can help lower the premium too.

Melissa DeAngelo is with Florida auto insurance company and Florida car insurance company, AGIC. To get a quote or learn more visit www.agicinsurance.com.

December 12, 2011 in Auto Insurance, Insurance, Insurance Articles by jferris

Research Selling Trends and Insurance Premiums When Buying a Car for the Holidays

Buying a car for yourself or a family member during the holidays is definitely a memorable event. Many auto manufacturers are reporting that people finally need to buy a new car after holding onto their old one through the economic downturn. Increased auto repairs, bad gas mileage, and attractive pricing are sending people into car dealers to find the perfect vehicle.

Here are some tips as you decide what the best vehicle is. Do not be tied to one auto maker. Manufacturers are becoming more fuel efficient and competitive on pricing, unless you are looking to buy a luxury car. So research who has the best incentives and how much inventory a manufacturer might have. When there is more supply at the end of the year, the dealer usually will be much more motivated to make a deal. TrueCar’s website shows inventory for new cars, so you can see if you are after a popular sedan, dealers might only have a nine day inventory of a vehicle. Less popular brands, but still safe and affordable autos, might have a four or more month supply. Research if buying a slower selling new car is better than a late-model used automobile that sells briskly.

Think about leasing. Since interest rates are low right now, it can be a good time to lease. Many leases are for a 36-month timeframe and offer you the chance to get more car for your money. You also take the stress out of the buying scenario where a vehicle quickly depreciates. If you are already leasing, but the time is coming to turn the car back in, ask the dealer about an extension. Sometimes they will agree to this so you do not turn to another dealer when it is time to get a new lease or buy a new vehicle.

Chat with your auto insurance agent about the short list of vehicles you are interested in. This can help you determine which one is the best to keep your auto insurance premium low. Insurers consider accident and theft rates of a vehicle’s make and model, along with your driving history, to come up with the annual premium. Sometimes there is not much difference to insure a new car versus a used one, so inquire about that if you are looking at a range of vehicles.

Melissa DeAngelo is with Florida auto insurance company and Florida car insurance company, AGIC. To get a quote or learn more visit www.agicinsurance.com.

November 29, 2011 in Auto Insurance, Insurance, Insurance Articles by jferris

List All Drivers That Use Your Car To Ensure Your Car Remains Protected

In a household where adult children still live with their parents or adult roommates share the home to cut down on costs, it is important to remember that your car belongs to you. Many people get comfortable with the notion that they can drive any person’s car in the household. Indeed, it might start off with a quick trip to pick up some groceries for a roomy or picking up a family member at the airport. But if driving becomes more frequent in the other person’s car, it is time to call your auto insurance agent to make sure the names of all drivers appear on the car insurance.

A friend can borrow your vehicle if you give them permission to do so. But it is important to know that insurance claims can get a bit tricky if your teen, for example, let a friend drive the vehicle and had an accident. Should an accident occur, your insurance will kick in first; only when damages exceed your policy will the other driver’s coverage kick in.

Most insurance companies understand borrowing a car for a day or one-time occasions; otherwise, you could be in the gray area where an insurer might not cover a claim that the unlisted driver caused. You do not want to be accused of misrepresentation by an auto insurance company. It is better to name all the drivers that could be driving the vehicle, even if it is only 50 percent or less of the time. Misrepresentation, therefore, could cost you even more than adding another driver to your vehicle insurance policy.

An auto insurance company will review the other drivers’ driving record, other insured vehicle, and frequency of driving your vehicle. Auto insurance premiums can often be cut down when everyone in a family is with the same insurer. This is also a good time to review deductibles based on how secure you feel with the other drivers using your vehicle. If they are relatively safe drivers and conscientious about taking care of your automobile, then you might look at increasing the deductible. This can save you money on the premium, but you want to make sure that it does not wipe out your savings should something happen to the vehicle.

Milla Tawnie writes for Orlando auto insurance and Orlando home insurance agency, the Florida Insurance Group. To learn more or to get auto and home insurance quotes, visit FloridaInsurance.com.

November 25, 2011 in Auto Insurance, Insurance, Insurance Articles by jferris

Drivers Should Slow Down In Heavy Rain and Make Sure They Have Adequate Insurance

When it rains in Florida, it really pours. Even after the big summer rainy season, Florida drivers need to watch out for inclement weather. If a driver is in an area that is known for flooding during a strong storm, do not try to keep on driving. Turn around and seek shelter.

“Bad rain storms cause so many accidents,” said Orlando auto insurance agent Lee Rogers of the Florida Insurance Group. “Areas that are prone to flooding can total a car when the rising floodwaters take over the vehicle.”

In flood-prone parts of Orlando, it can be hard to know if debris or other issues lie underneath feet of water. Drivers should slow down, tune in to local radio stations for alerts, and think about if they really need to be out in traffic.

“It is also about being proactive if you have to go out in a rainstorm,” said Rogers. “Do you have an emergency kit in the car, is your cell phone charged, and do you have enough gas should it take you a lot longer to get to your destination?”

Part of this entails making sure that a driver’s Orlando auto insurance is sufficient should something happen to the vehicle. Rogers advises that drivers know how their policies would take care of the car being totaled, or if they were in an accident.

“It’s too late when you are driving through a flooded area to change your policy,” Rogers warned. “Call us ahead of time to review your collision and comprehensive coverage so you have peace of mind no matter the driving conditions.”

To learn more call 1.888.525.2210 visit http://www.floridainsurance.com.

November 14, 2011 in Auto Insurance, Insurance, Insurance Articles by jferris

Repairs For Fender Benders Spike Dramatically Due to Bumper Heights

Auto accidents can present challenges such as what parts need to get repaired with your collision coverage and how to find the best auto-body shop. One of the biggest surprises in many wrecks is the cost of bumper repairs. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) latest report on bumpers shows that repairs on this part of a vehicle have dramatically increased.

Vehicles from 2007 and newer sustain severe damage to their bumpers even at three miles per hour. Damage cost a minimum of $1,800 and went up all the way to more than $9,000 on midsize vehicles in their testing. This is in stark contrast to how bumpers were made back in the 1980s. For example, the IIHS tested a Ford Escort from 1981 and the bumper only had $469 worth of damage.

“Automakers could equip new cars with bumpers that are every bit as good as the 1981 Ford Escorts, but they choose not to,” said IIHS president Adrian Lund.

Part of the problem with fender benders is that bumpers are not made to align with each other. This is something that few drivers realize. Next time when you are on the road, notice that SUV, car, and truck bumpers do not match up. So when an accident occurs, extensive damage can happen to another vehicle because of the height of the bumper. The IIHS has encouraged auto manufacturers to at least match up all the bumpers in their fleet, but this has not been widely adopted. As a result, the IIHS has petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to make manufacturers align bumpers on SUVs and pickups to be the same as cars. Otherwise, the expensive repairs will continue.

And in turn, this causes auto insurance premiums to go up. Car insurance agencies have access to data about vehicles that experience more costly damage and the rate of those vehicles in accidents. Thus, a person will receive an auto insurance premium and deductibles that reflects the risk of the car you drive. None of the 17 vehicles that the IIHS tested were luxury models either.

It seems that auto manufacturers have chosen to focus on other safety features rather than making bumpers more crash resistant. The IIHS traces this back to 1982 when the Reagan administration lessened federal bumper laws. Bumpers used to be made with sheet metal, extended far enough to protect headlights and the grille, and could be reformed after an accident even by using a hammer or basic welding to reshape it. Drivers today will most likely have to repair a bumper even after one fender bender.

Speaking to an experienced auto insurance agent when you have an accident can help a driver find the best auto body shop and minimize the cost of repairs.

Melissa DeAngelo is with Florida auto insurance company and Florida car insurance company, AGIC. To get a quote or learn more visit www.agicinsurance.com.

November 8, 2011 in Auto Insurance, Insurance, Insurance Articles by jferris

Insurance Industry Recommends Best Tips To Prevent Carjacking

Every year, car drivers become victims of carjacking. Some incidents involve dangerous people and guns, threats, and other types of assault. It is more important to protect your life and get away as soon as possible. With adequate car insurance and the police, you can either get back your car or receive monies to help buy another one. But your life is priceless.

The Insurance Information Institute (III) offers tips to minimize this great risk and danger. As many people have heard, park in well-lit areas and be aware of people coming close to your vehicle for no apparent reason. It is also wise to not stop at ATM machines or isolated areas where you could be pinpointed.

Sometimes a carjacker is not just after the vehicle but what they might have spotted inside it. In Tampa Bay, a recent carjacker wanted all the people’s money, cell phones, iPad, and other items. It is important to remember that if you are out shopping to not leave your bags and other items visible in your vehicle. And if you happen to have a car alarm with a panic button, this is the time to use it to protect yourself and your vehicle if you see someone suspicious or are being carjacked.

The III recommends that drivers keep their vehicle registration card in their wallet, not the glove department. Security devices can also deter a person from stealing a vehicle, whether it is an alarm or steering wheel lock. Cars are also starting to contain more high-tech features, such as the OnStar system. OnStar, for example, has a service where a person can report their vehicle as stolen and then the system can help to locate it with GPS technology. Once located, OnStar can slow the vehicle down or prevent it from starting as authorities recover it.

Otherwise, if your vehicle is stolen, report it to the police and your insurance company as soon as possible. Authorities will want to know when the car was stolen, any information you have about potential suspects or witnesses, and your vehicle’s description. Your insurance company will review the comprehensive coverage you have that compensates you should a theft incident happen, vandalism occur, or some part of the car’s built-in features be damaged. An insurance company typically has a set number of days wherein they must see if the authorities can recover your vehicle.

It is recommended to find out about all the parts of your coverage with an experienced insurance agent when deciding on the best auto insurance policy for your money. Getting peace of mind ahead of time about how the policy protects against theft, vandalism, and other non-collision incidents is well worth your time.

Melissa DeAngelo is with Florida auto insurance company and Florida car insurance company, AGIC. To get a quote or learn more visit www.agicinsurance.com.

October 20, 2011 in Auto Insurance, Insurance, Insurance Articles by jferris

The Latest Safety Devices are Smart Options and Help with Auto Insurance Costs

The latest technology might seem like science fiction, but they are actually real products that focus on driver and passenger safety. Drivers are starting to see these features in new cars, and manufacturers are embracing these technologies to tout the latest safety innovations. Here are the latest devices that make driving safer.

Intelligent seat belts
Honda, Mazda, Infiniti, and Mercedes-Benz use smart seat belts in certain models. Belts tense up and the seat automatically adjusts should a crash occur. Ford and Lincoln use inflatable seat belts on some models, and even have them on the second row of seats. When a crash occurs, the belt inflates across the passenger’s chest to protect it from crash forces.

Lane warning systems
This type of system monitors images and lines on the road. Through camera and transponder data, the system will warn if you drift out of your lane. Some manufacturers signal thru a flashing light or an alarm.

Adaptive cruise control
This is the latest in cruise control that uses radar to monitor the distance between you and another vehicle. When a crash is about to happen, it will go into brake mode, tighten the seat belts, and release the airbags.

Adaptive head rests
These head rests will move higher and go forward to help prevent whiplash. Rear-end crashes are a common occurrence, so this will help lessen the chances of a neck injury.

Headlights
Adaptive headlights are the newest innovation. These have a greater range of motion that allows the area around a corner to be more visible. Many auto manufacturers are using this along with daytime running lights.

Other Safety Devices
From breathalyzer ignition locks to driver eye scanning for the fatigued driver, manufacturers are working on devices that alarm the driver when these concerns occur. Most drivers know that driving drunk or when tired is wrong, but will they pay attention if an alarm goes off is the bigger question.

The Enhanced Basics
Tire pressure monitoring systems help detect air loss. This prevents accidents involving a tire blowout, which can be extremely dangerous if a vehicle is going high speeds on a busy highway. Telematics such as the OnStar communication system can alert emergency personnel after an accident, and even unlock doors and track a vehicle’s location if it is stolen.

Safety features such as these can greatly reduce auto accidents and the injuries and fatalities that are a reality of our roadways. They can also help to get a driver a reduction in their auto insurance premiums. Florida auto insurance company AGIC Insurance, Inc. helps drivers to get the best Florida auto insurance quote for their budget. They will help drivers shop around for the best policy and get peace of mind that the driver and passengers will be adequately protected.

Melissa DeAngelo is with Florida auto insurance company and Florida car insurance company, AGIC. To get a quote or learn more visit www.agicinsurance.com.